MINERAL SECTOR INDIA
Use FTAs to build joint ventures, explore investment opportunities: CII President to industry
R Mukundan, the CII President, stressed the crucial role of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in fostering joint ventures and enhancing investment prospects. He noted India's resilient economic growth, even faced with global challenges like geopolitical tensions and elevated energy prices. The broadened scope of India's FTAs promises to enrich economic interactions and spur advancements in emerging technologies such as AI and biotechnology.
Centre bans export of Li-ion battery waste, scrap to boost domestic recycling and critical mineral recovery
India has imposed an immediate ban on the export of lithium-ion battery black mass to strengthen its local recycling ecosystem. This decision aims to enhance domestic recovery of critical minerals, such as lithium and cobalt, which are vital for technology and energy sectors. The prohibition will ensure that battery waste generated in India is processed locally and improves utilization of recycling capacities.
Global credit conditions to weaken next year: Moody's
Moody’s Ratings expects global credit conditions to weaken in 2027 as higher financing costs and elevated energy prices create pressure across sectors, even as major economies continue to grow. The agency said tariffs, regulation, export controls and strategic government investment will increasingly shape credit risks, trade and capital allocation. Higher refinancing costs are likely to weigh on highly leveraged borrowers and those facing near-term maturities, while banks and life insurers could benefit from higher rates.
Kazakhstan inks new deals to supply Uranium to Indian cos
Kazakhstan plans to supply natural uranium to major Indian energy companies beginning in 2026. These contracts are part of Kazakhstan's strategy to diversify its uranium export markets. Discussions regarding this uranium supply deal intensified after the previous contract expired a few years ago. Additionally, both countries are exploring potential collaboration in critical minerals found in abundance in Kazakhstan.
India targets 300 million tonnes of steel production by 2030, 500 million tonnes by 2047: G Kishan Reddy
India's Union Minister G Kishan Reddy announced plans to boost steel production significantly by 2047. The goal is to reach 300 million tonnes by 2030 and 500 million tonnes by 2047. Steel is essential for construction, linking to the aspirations of people for housing. The government also aims to increase iron ore production and improve raw material availability for the steel industry.
Centre launches ninth auction tranche for 20 critical mineral blocks, third round of exploration licences
The mines ministry has launched the ninth tranche of auctions for 20 critical and strategic mineral blocks, alongside the third tranche for exploration licence blocks. Of the 100 unique blocks offered in the first eight rounds, 64 have been auctioned. The move aims to strengthen mineral security and attract private exploration investment.
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Coal gasification projects may save India Rs 1.5 lakh crore in forex over 5-7 years: Coal Ministry Secretary
Coal gasification projects are expected to provide significant foreign exchange savings for India by substituting imports. The Coal Ministry has initiated financial incentives targeted towards promoting coal gasification. Responsible mining practices are emphasized to encourage sustainable development and investment in the coal sector.
Centre proposing parity in mineral taxation, states' rights to remain intact: Union Mines Secretary
Proposed amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act are intended to create tax parity across states. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on imports by fostering local production and processing of critical minerals. The Indian government has introduced significant subsidies to support industries establishing lithium and nickel processing facilities. Approximately 58 entities are now registered under a recycling program for electronic waste.
Battery component makers may get up to 50% capital subsidy
The ministry of heavy industries is evaluating various subsidy models to enhance domestic battery component manufacturing capacity. Proposed support includes capital subsidies and sales-linked incentives to promote local production. India aims for sufficient manufacturing capacity to support 50 GWh of annual battery cell production by 2032. Current costs of battery materials are significantly higher compared to those from China.
Cabinet approves VGF plan for grid-scale energy storage with Rs 14,500 crore support
The Union Cabinet has approved a significant ₹14,500 crore funding scheme to develop 92 GWh of energy storage capacity. This initiative supports both hydro pumped storage and battery energy storage systems aimed at accelerating renewable energy. Additionally, a scheme has been approved for processing critical minerals like lithium and nickel to reduce import dependency. The government aims to modernize its statistical system with a ₹4,371.10 crore scheme.
India needs indigenous technologies to ensure energy security: Union Minister G Kishan Reddy
At the NIT Raipur convocation, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy emphasized India's need for innovations in energy, mining, and healthcare. He noted significant growth in higher education infrastructure and international rankings over the past decade. Reddy mentioned government initiatives aimed at supporting research and development in technology sectors. He encouraged graduates to tackle real-world challenges in their fields over the next three years.
These large-caps have ‘strong buy’ & ‘buy’ recos and an upside potential of over 25%
Oil prices matter to the Indian economy, and the market responded with a smart rally as Brent crude cooled significantly on Monday. The rally was broad-based and involved all segments. But too much should not be read into one day’s showing. The thing to watch remains the results of the US mid-term elections which will be known in India through Wednesday. It will decide which way the market will move in the coming days and weeks.
EAM Jaishankar urges Quad to focus on freedom of choice
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized freedom of choice and resilient supply chains during the Quad meeting. He highlighted countering non-market practices as a key priority for discussions with partner nations. The Quad aims to enhance cooperation in maritime security and counter-terrorism measures. Additionally, over USD 85 million will be extended for AI access across the Indo-Pacific region.
Short-term headwinds, yes; owning the ecosystem is better: 20 healthcare stocks with downside risk of 23% to upside potential of 41%
The healthcare sector is under scrutiny. The issue is pricing: What medicines cost and on what hospitals and the rest of the health ecosystem charge. And both the government and the courts have stepped in. At one level, that is not entirely a bad thing. Check out Stock Reports Plus, powered by Refinitiv, for price targets of over 4,000 listed stocks along with detailed company analysis focusing on five key components – earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum – to generate standardised scores. SR+ Reports is a complimentary offering to ETPrime members.
Quad to step up cooperation in AI, critical minerals
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Atlanta.
India-Brazil bilateral trade set to reach $20 bn with focus on critical minerals, AI, defence: Envoy
Brazil's Ambassador to India highlighted growing trade relations, expecting bilateral trade to reach USD 20 billion soon. The partnership encompasses critical sectors such as defence, energy, and pharmaceuticals, promoting economic engagement. Both nations aim to deepen cultural ties, celebrating the centenary of musician Antonio Carlos Jobim in 2027. Recent political visits strengthened commitments toward technological and economic cooperation in multilateral forums.
Pixxel sets up US subsidiary to serve federal agencies
Pixxel in September raised $100 million (around Rs 945 crore) in the largest funding round in India’s spacetech sector, co-led by Singapore sovereign wealth fund Temasek and UK-based space investor Seraphim, ET reported.
IIP growth eases to 4-month low in September as mining output contracts
September witnessed a decline in India's factory output growth, falling to 6.7%, the lowest rate observed in four months. The drop is largely linked to a high base effect and decreased mining activity. Despite this, manufacturing output surged by 7.6% compared to the previous year, while electricity generation also grew, spurred by robust demand even with insufficient rainfall. Economists anticipate GDP growth to surpass 7% for the July-September period.
Vedanta explores Rs 80,000 crore investment in West Bengal, says Anil Agarwal
In a bold move, Vedanta Group's Anil Agarwal announced an investment strategy of Rs 70,000-80,000 crore in West Bengal, set to foster job creation for around 10,000 individuals. He conveyed confidence in the state's manufacturing potential and the necessity of leveraging local resources. This announcement came during a key meeting at Nabanna, highlighting Agarwal's commitment to positioning India as a manufacturing powerhouse on the global stage.
India, Mexico begin talks for trade pact; aim to boost commerce, investments
India and Mexico have initiated negotiations for a preferential trade agreement to enhance bilateral trade and investment. The agreement aims to create new economic opportunities while addressing market access, customs procedures, and trade facilitation. Discussions included organising a Mexican business mission to India in early 2027 to improve commercial ties. India had a trade surplus with Mexico, largely due to exports in autos and pharmaceuticals.
India, Mexico sign terms of reference to kickstart trade pact negotiations
India and Mexico have signed the Terms of Reference to initiate negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement. This agreement aims to enhance bilateral trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. Key negotiating areas include market access, customs procedures, and trade facilitation measures. Both delegations discussed organizing a Mexican business mission to India in early 2027.
India climate-tech funding may reach USD 1.9 billion in 2026 as growth capital expands: Report
India's climate-tech and deep-tech sectors are expected to attract new investments by 2027 due to various factors. The report indicates that funding has been heavily focused on larger transactions, which raises concerns regarding smaller companies. Opportunities for investment exist in diverse areas such as deep technology and energy storage, highlighting potential for growth. Government initiatives are increasingly supporting this transition, as they disburse significant funding for projects.
Amid supply chain issues, India's strategic mining in critical state
India's mining sector remains underdeveloped due to high import dependence and severe execution bottlenecks. Challenges include land acquisition difficulties, uncoordinated state-level regulations, and environmental concerns related to mining activities. The Centre has urged states to improve the operationalisation of mines, with only a fraction currently active. Various stages of clearances have delayed the progress of numerous mining projects in different regions.
NAN GreenMet, Chile's Enaex collaborate to set up Rs 750-cr explosives manufacturing facility
NAN GreenMet has partnered with Enaex to create an integrated explosives manufacturing plant in India. This venture involves an investment of Rs 750 crore and aims to begin commercial operations in 2027. The facility will cater to the rising demand in India's explosives market, projected to grow significantly in the coming years. The joint venture plans to provide a range of advanced blasting solutions for mining and infrastructure projects.
Diversification plan: NMDC scouts for mining assets across four continents
NMDC is actively seeking mining assets worldwide, including critical minerals to support various industries. The company aims to earn 20 percent of revenues from minerals other than iron ore. This expansion aligns with government initiatives to secure raw material supplies and decrease import dependency. NMDC's strategy is expected to enhance its role in India's manufacturing sectors. Industries such as automotive, renewable energy, and electronics will benefit from these efforts.
India's emerging sectors to drive capex, credit demand towards storage, semiconductors: Report
Financing demand in India's emerging sectors is expected to shift towards battery storage, semiconductor packaging, green hydrogen projects with assured buyers and defence suppliers over the next three to five years, as investments in new growth industries create opportunities for banks, according to a Union Bank of India research report.
Financing demand set to shift to emerging sectors like AI, semiconductors: Report
India’s emerging sectors are set to attract fresh bank financing over the next three to five years, with AI, semiconductors and defence leading investment opportunities, according to a Union Bank of India report. Battery storage, green hydrogen, semiconductor packaging and defence suppliers could gain funding as industries expand. However, technology obsolescence, uncertain revenues and long payback periods remain key lending risks.
India's exports to Germany could cross $50 billion by 2030: ASSOCHAM
ASSOCHAM said the potential for expanding market access, investment and business partnerships between India and Germany. It said the two countries could use their respective strengths in manufacturing, technology and innovation to deepen economic ties and create new growth opportunities.
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy to visit Australia to strengthen bilateral cooperation in critical minerals
During his visit to Sydney and Melbourne, the Minister will participate in various programmes and hold extensive discussions with government representatives, mining companies, research institutions and industry leaders from Australia and other countries.
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